Corporate Express Converts Two Truck Fleets to B20 Biodiesel
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV (NYSE:CXP), announced today that it is now fueling the majority of its delivery truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas with Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel -- an ultra-low sulfur fuel comprising 20% virgin oilseed-based biodiesel, from renewable US-grown crops, and 80% petroleum diesel.
This strategic step will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Company's Colorado and Kansas fleets -- a total of 45 trucks. The use of B20 fuel, as compared to us ing regular petroleum diesel, reduces carbon monoxide by 24%, hydrocarbons by 29%, particulates by 18% and nitrogen oxides by 4%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.
"We already have an extremely efficient US distribution model with advanced technology such as systems to map out highly streamlined driver routes," said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US. "Using biodiesel in our trucks will advance our distribution while decreasing emissions and further reducing our Company's carbon footprint."
This move is part of Corporate Express' plans to reduce environmental impact through goals for facilities, distribution operations, sustainable forestry, environmentally sustainable products and social responsibility. These pla ns are outlined in the Company's US Sustainability Policy.
"Because Fusion B20 is a cleaner fuel, we expect that it will help reduce truck engine wear and also improve miles per gallon," said Tim Beauchamp, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Distribution Operations.
Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel can be used in conventional compression-ignition engines that were designed to be operated on diesel fuel, making it a direct substitute for traditional petroleum diesel. The Company will use the fuel in its trucks that were built after 2004.
"As cost and availability of this high-quality biofuel increase, we will look to transition additional trucks that are a ble to run on this fuel, to help further reduce emissions from our US fleet," said Beauchamp.
The use of US-produced Fusion B20 biodiesel helps to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports. Colorado-based Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC produces their Fusion B20 product from crops grown in the US specifically to be used as fuel. According to the US Department of Energy, the US currently imports more than 60% of its petroleum. As use of Fusion B20 increases, it will contribute positively to our economy by keeping more fuel dollars in the country and by creating more jobs for US farmers to grow crops for Blue Sun's products.
"We're pleased Corporate Express has chosen to partner with Blue Sun in support of this sustainability initiative. The added performance and economic benefi ts they'll enjoy will ensure a long-term relationship for both companies," said Jeff Probst, Blue Sun's President and CEO.
About Corporate Express
Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees, and operations in 20 countrie s. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (Euronext: CXP) and in New York (NYSE:CXP). For more information, please visit http://www.corporateexpress.com/. A copy of the Company's US Sustainability Policy can be found at http://www.corporateexpress.com/sustainability.html.
About Blue Sun Biodiesel
Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of premium agricultural and renewable fuels products. Blue Sun's exclusive distribution network features specially-appointed and trained distributors and proprietary high-volume, state-of-the-art ratio blending terminals, which ensure Blue Sun Fusion(TM) is blended and supplied according to its industry-leading quality specifications. For more information, please visit http://www.goblu esun.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements included in this press release, which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Corporate Express and therefore involve a number of uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to industry conditions, changes in product supply, pricing and customer demand, competition, risks in integrating new businesses, currency fluctuations, and the other risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commissi on, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2007. As a result, the actual results of operations or financial conditions of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.
